1,000-plus gather for 'emergency forum' about Trump immigration ban

More than 1,000 people, elected officials and law enforcement officers among them, turned out for an emergency forum about President Donald Trump's executive action on immigration Wednesday in Tigard.

Speakers struck a tenor of solidarity, speaking to the audience's concerns and vowing to support those who feel threatened by the order. Trump's action bans people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from coming into the U.S. for 90 days.

Trump also suspended entry of all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely suspended the country's Syrian refugee program.

The event, held at the Muslim Educational Trust Community and Educational Center, lasted well past its allotted two hours.

Part of the crowd stayed until around 9:50 p.m. to ask questions of a panel including U.S. Attorney Billy Williams; Nan Waller, Multnomah County Circuit Court presiding judge; and Mathew dos Santos, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon.

Portland, Beaverton and Hillsboro's mayors were among the officials who addressed the crowd.

"You are part of what will cure what is wrong with America," Steve Callaway of Hillsboro told the crowd.

Portland Police Chief Mike Marshman said if people get to know one another and better understand each others' differences, everyone is safer.

And Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who addressed the crowd alongside colleague Nick Fish, urged audience members to say "I love you" to the people next to them.

"This is what America looks like," she said. "Thank you very much for being here."